National Cultural Heritage Preservation Act, 2017 (No. 40 of 2017). Country/Territory Belize Document type Legislation Date 2017 Source FAO, FAOLEX Long titleAn Act to make provisions for the designation, protection and conservation of heritage assets under the leadership of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH); to establish a Council to assist NICH in discharging its functions under this Act; to establish a fund exclusively for matters connected with heritage assets and to provide for a National Heritage Protection Plan for the proper implementation of the provisions of this Act; to provide for an inventory of heritage assets; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Subject Environment gen. Keyword Liability/compensation Cultural heritage Expropriation Institution Offences/penalties Policy/planning Precautionary principle Procedural matters Registration Risk assessment/management Special fund Sustainable development Traditional knowledge/indigenous knowledge Geographical area Americas, Central America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Small Island Developing States Abstract This Act sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the National Institute of Culture and History, National Heritage Advisory Council, the establishment of the National Heritage Fund, the preparation of the National Heritage Protection Plan, procedures and criteria for the designation and deaccession of heritage assets, and the establishment of the National Heritage Asset Register. The general functions of NICH under this Act shall be to promote and encourage the designation, protection, preservation, promotion and maintenance of heritage assets for the benefit and enjoyment of the present and future generations of the people of Belize and to ensure that the character of such assets is protected. The NICH shall take measures against the circumstances of misuse, lack of conservation, or application of wrong conservation methods. An inventory of heritage assets shall be established, updated, managed and published by the NICH. The National Heritage Advisory Council shall advise NICH generally on matters relating to heritage assets and shall exercise and discharge the functions conferred upon it by this Act. Furthermore, this Act sets forth provisions on procedures of registration of heritage assets, interim protection orders, acquisition for the promotion of cultural heritage or the preservation of the national or historical identity, compensation, as well as offences and penalties for damage to and destruction of heritage assets. The Minister responsible for culture may make regulations for the implementation of the provisions of this Act. Full text English Website www.nationalassembly.gov.bz